[Lower limb discrepancy after total knee arthroplasty. Is it really an issue?]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Lower limb length discrepancy is a common complication following total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
• Accurate limb length restoration is crucial for optimal TKA outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of lower limb discrepancy after unilateral TKA.
• To evaluate the types of deformities and functional outcomes associated with TKA-induced limb length discrepancy.

Main Methods:

• Observational, analytical, retrospective cohort study.
• Inclusion of patients who underwent unilateral TKA with identical implants.
• Limb length measurement via panoramic lower limb X-ray; discrepancy defined as > 10 mm.

Main Results:

• A total of 60 patients were analyzed, with 18 (30%) exhibiting lower limb discrepancy.
• Valgus deformity (55.6%) was the most common type, followed by varus (38.89%).
• No significant difference in long-term functional outcomes (KSS scores) between patients with and without discrepancy.

Conclusions:

• The incidence of lower limb discrepancy after TKA is 30%.
• No patients required revision surgery due to limb length discrepancy.
• TKA-induced limb length discrepancy does not negatively impact long-term functional outcomes or pain levels.